Tel Aviv: Hezbollah‘s new chief Naim Qasim on Wednesday threatened to kill Israeli PM Netanyahu. However, after becoming the chief of Hezbollah, on Monday he opened the way for a ceasefire with Israel. Qasim said that the enemy should know that he cannot force us to retreat by bombing our villages and cities. Hezbollah is strong and capable of delivering drones to Netanyahu’s room. Qasim said, ‘Netanyahu was saved this time. But perhaps his time has not yet come.’ He said, ‘Maybe an Israeli will kill him during his speech. “Our contacts have confirmed that Netanyahu is very scared because we are targeting him.” Qasim was referring to the drone attack on the private residence of the Israeli PM earlier this month. Drone hits Israeli PM’s window. Both Netanyahu and his wife Sara were not present.
Consensus was also seen on ceasefire
This was Qasim’s first speech after becoming the chief of Hezbollah, which was recorded at an unknown location. On Monday, it was announced that he would be made Hezbollah Chief. Israel killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in an attack last month. After Nasrallah, his alleged successor Hashem Saffiedine was also killed. Despite his aggressive threats, Qasim also said that Hezbollah would agree to a ceasefire with Israel on its terms.
Hezbollah does not accept Israel’s conditions
Last year, similar language was used by Hassan Nasrallah against Israel. Nasrallah had also talked about a ceasefire, but on his own terms. Israel’s terms were considered unacceptable by Hezbollah. The conditions demanded the withdrawal of Hezbollah fighters from north of the Litani River. Qasim did not link Lebanon’s desertion to the end of the Gaza war.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Hezbollah Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we dissect the latest developments in global politics. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Sarah El-Amin, a leading expert on Middle Eastern geopolitics. Dr. El-Amin, thank you for being with us.
Dr. Sarah El-Amin: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. We’ve seen a significant shift within Hezbollah recently, particularly the statements made by their new chief, Naim Qasim. Just days after threatening Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, he opened the door for a potential ceasefire. What do you make of this sudden change in rhetoric?
Dr. El-Amin: It’s quite intriguing, isn’t it? Such contrasts often indicate internal pressures within Hezbollah and broader regional considerations. On one hand, we have Qasim asserting Hezbollah’s strength against Israel, which is a staple in their narrative. On the other hand, the abrupt overture for a ceasefire could suggest a desire to de-escalate tensions, perhaps due to pressure from allies or the international community.
Editor: Absolutely. Naim Qasim’s dual messaging strikes a complex balance. In your opinion, does this signify a broader strategy from Hezbollah, or is it more about maintaining domestic support?
Dr. El-Amin: It could be both. Qasim may be trying to position himself as a strong leader while simultaneously showcasing a willingness to engage diplomatically. Hezbollah operates in a multifaceted environment where military strength and political maneuvering are essential. The threat against Netanyahu could bolster his image among Hezbollah supporters, while the ceasefire proposal might aim to address concerns about broader conflict and civilian safety in Lebanon.
Editor: That’s a critical point. How do you think the Israeli government is perceiving these developments?
Dr. El-Amin: The Israeli government will likely view Qasim’s mixed signals with caution. Netanyahu’s administration is under pressure to ensure national security while navigating the delicate balance of responding to threats without escalating into full-blown confrontation. This could lead to a recalibration of their own military and diplomatic strategies, focusing more on intelligence-gathering and defensive readiness.
Editor: Given this backdrop, do you predict any imminent changes in the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict?
Dr. El-Amin: It’s difficult to say definitively, but if Qasim’s openness to a ceasefire is genuine, we could see a temporary reduction in hostilities. However, lasting peace will require more robust negotiations—something Hezbollah historically has not fully embraced unless absolutely necessary. The international community’s role could be vital here, as they may facilitate dialogues that could lead to de-escalation.
Editor: Fascinating insights. Before we finish, what do you believe is the next step for both Hezbollah and Israel in this evolving narrative?
Dr. El-Amin: For Hezbollah, balancing their militant image with diplomatic engagement will be crucial, particularly with internal and external stakeholders watching closely. As for Israel, they need to tread carefully—showing strength without provoking unnecessary conflict, while evaluating any sincere overtures for dialogue coming from Hezbollah.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sarah El-Amin, for providing clarity on these complex geopolitical dynamics. It’s clear that both sides are maneuvering in a charged environment. We look forward to hearing your insights as this situation unfolds.
Dr. El-Amin: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure discussing these vital issues with you.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in to Time.news. Stay informed as we continue to cover this developing story and more.